PICTURES: And he's off! Watch out for cyclist Mark Beaumont on NC500 today as he attempts to break Highland native Robbie Mitchell's record

Long-distance cyclist Mark Beaumont (39) has launched his bid to break the NC500 record.

Mr Beaumont set off from the starting point at Inverness Castle at 8am this morning.

He is attempting to break the record set by Durness native Robbie Mitchell last year. He crossed the finishing line in an amazing 29 hours, five minutes and 42 seconds.

That time knocked more than two hours off the previous record of 31 hours, 19 minutes and eight seconds.

Mr Beaumont is being filmed by GC+ for a documentary.

For more details about Mr Beaumont’s preparation for the attempt, read this report published in Cycling Weekly.

Watch out for updates.

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